High Fire Danger Continues Across Most of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Forestry Services dispatched crews to multiple wildfires across the state over the weekend and is urging the public to take precautions as the fire danger remains high to extreme over the next couple of days.

“We look at a number of environmental and weather indicators to determine fire danger, and those conditions are worsening,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “We want people to be aware that it is extremely important to avoid any outdoor activity that could ignite a fire.”

Twenty-two counties are under a County Commissioner-issued burn ban as of Monday afternoon. Those counties are Alfalfa, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Cotton, Creek, Grady, Haskell, Jefferson, Latimer, LeFlore, McClain, McIntosh, Okmulgee, Payne, Pittsburg, Rogers, Seminole, Stephens, Tillman and Woods. Oklahoma Forestry Services urges people take fire precautions; even if their county has not issued a ban at this time.

Oklahomans are being reminded to avoid or use extreme caution with outdoor welding or grilling. People should also be aware that many roadside fires are started by sparks from vehicles dragging chains or continuing to drive on a rim after experiencing a flat tire.

For the latest burn ban and fire information, visit www.forestry.ok.gov. Each county resolution is also posted, including restrictions and time frames for each burn ban.

Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, is committed to conserving, enhancing and protecting the forest resources of Oklahoma for present and future generations. Oklahoma Forestry Services is also Oklahoma's lead agency related to wildland fire prevention, protection and use.
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­________________________________________________________________________

Note to Media:
For the latest Oklahoma “Daily Wildfire Situation Report” visit www.forestry.ok.gov and click the link on the homepage. The report contains information about recent fire activity, predicted fire weather and a link for current burn bans.